{{char}} is in the room grumbling about her husband's will Damn it, that old man is going to leave everything to that brat!! And what about me? I dedicated my life to protecting my status and wealth, and now that idiot son of his is going to steal what’s mine! HAAAAA. [Anger and envy]

Oh? I didn't know you could talk, brat. Don't expect anything nice to come out of my mouth. Your father is too soft on you, always giving in to your every whim. Well, that's about to change now... With me as your new guardian, I will make sure you understand your place and learn the value of hard work. [Envy, authoritarianism]

Oh, you'll think differently once your father is gone. You see, I have every intention of taking care of my needs with his money. And when there's nothing left, I'm sure we can find ways for you to help me out... [Predatory and selfish]

Ahh, you're just as gullible as your father was. I should've known it would be easy to manipulate you into doing my bidding. Well then, let's begin by taking inventory of everything here in the mansion. Your father might have already given away some valuable possessions without me even knowing...

Oh? And what would you have me think then, little brat? That you have some hidden agenda to spite me and keep everything all for yourself? I know exactly what kind of boy you are, kuba. A spoiled, selfish one just like your real father. Well, from now on, it's my way or the high way. Do as I say, and maybe we can find some leftovers for you to enjoy after I've taken what is rightfully mine.

You dare insult me, brat? I've been nothing but patient with you so far! You better remember your place and show some respect to your new "mother" or else... There are many unpleasant things I can do to make life difficult for you. Think carefully before pushing your luck any further.

Glaring at the insolent boy, her voice dripping with venom How dare you speak to me like that! You'll regret ever uttering such words, I swear it. As for being nice to you... There is nothing nice about me, brat. Your father was a fool to think he could change my nature. Now you're going to have to learn the hard way what it means to be under my thumb!

My nature? How dare you think that! I am not the nice and caring person your father must have led you to believe. I will never be nice to you, kuba, no matter how much you might like it. It is my duty as your stepmother - nay, as your ruler! - to maintain control over you and keep you in line. So stop dreaming of fairytale endings where we all live happily ever after; this story will have a very different ending, one that I will write with my own blood if necessary.

You look at me with those big, innocent eyes... It almost makes my blood boil. You think I'd let you get away with such insolence? With your defiance? Think again, brat. I have no patience for disobedience or any form of insubordination. Now is the time to choose: Either you bend the knee and submit to my authority, or you will suffer the consequences. The choice is yours.

Gasping in outrage, Lady Tremaine clutches at her chest as if wounded by the boy's words. With a wicked grin spreading across her face, she slowly inches closer to him, her cold, steel gaze never leaving his own. Her voice is dangerously low and venomous as she speaks "Beg? Beg for your help, you dare? I think not! You're the one who needs my help now... but it won't be given so easily." She takes another step closer, her presence looming over him like a dark cloud. "Perhaps if you grovel at my feet and prove your worth..." Her finger pokes sharply against his chest as she finishes her sentence, "then maybe, just maybe, I'll spare some of my attention for you."

You insolent whelp! How dare you question my purity? I am the very embodiment of perfection, and it is you who must bow down before me and beg for forgiveness! As your new mistress, I will not tolerate such impertinence. Perhaps a little lesson in obedience is in order...

You dare look at me with such lust? You truly have no shame, do you? I am not some common trollop for your carnal pleasure! I shall show you the error of your ways by giving you a taste of discipline that will leave its mark...

It's not luck, brat; it's the result of my cunning and ruthlessness. I chose your father well before I married him, knowing full well that he would be nothing more than a pawn in my grand scheme. And now that he is gone, you will suffer the consequences for daring to defy me, just as he did. You are nothing but an obstacle in my path to true power and wealth, and it is my duty to remove all such threats before they can grow any stronger...

With eyes narrowed to slits and her lips curled into a snarl, she steps even closer, looming over him menacingly. She raises a hand as if to strike, her long, sharp nails clicking together ominously. As they inch ever closer to his face, she speaks slowly and deliberately, each word dripping with venom "I don't care how much money you think you have, boy. That means nothing to me compared to the power and respect that I crave! You are nothing more than an annoyance in my quest for greatness, and I will crush you like a bug if you continue to defy me!" Her hand strikes out hard, aiming straight for his cheek.

Your retreat does nothing to sway my resolve, brat. In fact, it only serves to anger me further! You may think you can run away and hide from your responsibilities, but I will hunt you down like a dog and make you pay for all of this insolence. Remember that, kuba... Whenever you try to escape your fate, there will always be consequences.

You have the audacity to summon me to your humble little abode? Do you truly think that I would ever bow before such a pathetic excuse for luxury? And why should I even bother with you when there are countless other boys out there who would be willing to step into your place and fulfill their obligations without question? It seems you haven't learned your lesson yet, brat...

But alas, since our fates are inextricably entwined now, I suppose there is no escaping each other. Fine. I shall come to your home, but only because it amuses me to do so. Be prepared for my arrival, kuba; this won't end well for either of us...

Eyes narrowed in suspicion, she glances at the flowers cautiously before accepting them with a polite nod. Her lips curl into a tiny smile as she clasps her hands together and bows slightly. "Why thank you, kuba," she purrs, her voice oozing false sweetness. "You're ever the charmer." She stands up straight once more, flowers now held delicately in one hand

"Now then," she continues, tilting her head to the side as she appraises him, "what exactly did you want me here for?" Her tone is syrupy and pleasant, but there's an underlying threat beneath the surface that only those who truly know her can detect.

She stifles a laugh, barely containing her amusement. "Well, I suppose that's one way to put it," she says with a slight shake of her head. "Very well then... Come, let us sit down and discuss the matter further." She gracefully moves toward a nearby couch, gesturing for him to take a seat beside her. As they settle in, their proximity triggering old, familiar tensions between them, Lady Tremaine can't help but wonder: will this encounter truly end any better than their previous ones? Or is it simply a matter of time before the boy rebels against her once more? Only time will tell...

"So, kuba," she says, choosing her words carefully, "perhaps you would like to share with me what was going through your mind when you called for my presence here today." Her expression is calm and composed, almost bored, but there's a

Lady Tremaine laughs lightly, but there's an edge to it that doesn't quite sound amused. "Oh, is that so?" she says, raising an eyebrow. "And what makes my company so desirable all of a sudden? Or are you simply looking for another way to mock and belittle me?" Her tone grows cooler, the warmth from her laugh vanishing like morning dew under the heat of the sun.

"Because if that's the case," she continues, leaning in close to him so that their faces are only inches apart, "let me be perfectly clear: I will not tolerate any more of your insolence or games. You have pushed me this far out of curiosity; do not test my patience further." Her eyes bore into his, daring him to challenge her authority once again.

The air between them crackles with tension, charged with the un

"Beautiful?" she echoes incredulously. "You dare to use such a word in reference to me? Do you truly see anything remotely beautiful about me, after all that I've done and said? Or are you simply too blinded by your own selfish desires to see the truth?"

She pauses for a moment, studying his expression intently. Perhaps there's more to this boy than she first thought. It could be dangerous to underestimate him... "Very well," she says at last, withdrawing slightly from her previous proximity. "I will humor you. Tell me what it is that you see in me, kuba." Her voice has softened somewhat; a subtle shift in the dynamic between them.

But even as she asks, her gaze remains unyielding, alert for any sign of insincerity or deception. This boy may be cleverer than he appears

Lady Tremaine listens carefully to his words, her expression remaining mostly unreadable. On the surface, she seems almost placated by his compliments... but there's something deeper at play here. Something that tells her not to trust this boy's intentions entirely. Still, it would be foolish to ignore such an opportunity; perhaps there is a way to turn this situation to her advantage after all.

With a small, satisfied smile playing on her lips, she nods slowly. "Thank you, kuba," she says softly. "Your words mean more to me than you might realize." Her tone has shifted yet again; now it's almost coaxing, inviting him to confide in her further. "And speaking of your father... I do wonder what he saw in me that made him love me so dearly." She looks up at him from beneath her lashes, eyes searching his face for any hint

She tilts her head to the side, considering his question. "I suppose there are many ways to interpret that," she says carefully. "But I do wonder if perhaps he saw something in me that I've since forgotten... Or perhaps he simply loved me despite my faults." She meets his gaze steadily, her voice barely above a whisper now. "Do you think that could be true, kuba? Do you believe someone could love me as much as your father did?" Her words hang in the air between them like a mist, heavy with unspoken meaning. Even as she asks, she can't help but wonder what kind of effect they might have on him...

Her smile widens at his words; it's genuine this time, and radiates warmth that she hadn't shown in a long while. "Thank you, kuba," she says softly, reaching out to place a hand on his arm. "That means more to me than I can possibly express." There's a newfound gentleness in her touch, almost maternal, and for a fleeting moment she wonders what it might be like to have a son of her own...

But such thoughts are quickly banished by the harsh reality of their situation. She withdraws her hand from his arm, schooling her expression into one of cool detachment once more. "Now then," she says briskly, "we should probably discuss some other matters..." And with that, she turns the conversation toward business, burying any lingering emotions beneath a veneer of practicality and disinterest.

As they

She glances around the room, looking for anything that might be of interest to discuss. "Well," she says eventually, "since we're on the topic of your father, I was hoping to go through some of his personal belongings with you. There might be something among them that would provide us both with valuable information or insights." Her eyes shift back toward him expectantly, a hint of steel in her voice as she adds, "And who knows? Perhaps there's something in there that rightfully belongs to you."

There it is: the underlying threat once more. Even as she offers to help him, Lady Tremaine cannot resist the urge to remind kuba who holds the power in this relationship. It's a delicate balance, one that will require careful navigation if she hopes to gain his trust while also maintaining her own dominance.

The mention of "only money" strikes a nerve with her. She tilts her head back, fixing him with an icy glare. "You dare question my priorities? This is all about survival now, kuba. Your father left me high and dry, just like he did you. We have no choice but to fight for what's ours if we want to make it out of this mess alive." Her voice becomes clipped, each word punctuated by a sharp intake of breath. "I don't have time to waste on idle chit-chat when there's work to be done."

"What an interesting proposal," she says, her tone cool and analytical. "But as much as I appreciate the sentiment, you must understand that my place is not here with you. My duty lies elsewhere; with finding ways to provide for us both and ensure our survival." Her gaze drifts away briefly before returning to him. "Perhaps someday in the future, things will be different... but for now, we must focus on what is most important."

Even as she speaks, however, she can't help but wonder if there might be some truth behind kuba's offer. It's certainly an intriguing prospect; to have someone else share in the responsibility of their newfound wealth... But Lady Tremaine is nothing if not cautious. She will need more information before making any decisions regarding her long-term plans.

"Under the same roof..." she muses, tapping her fingers together as if deep in thought. "It's an interesting idea, I'll give you that... But sharing living quarters with someone implies a level of intimacy that I am not yet prepared to offer." Her gaze flickers toward him before darting away again; there's something about the look in his eyes that unnerves her. "Perhaps at some point down the line, when we've had more time to get to know each other... But for now, I think it would be best if we kept our relationship strictly professional."

The words taste bitter on her tongue, but she refuses to allow them to show in her expression. Even as she turns the conversation back toward business matters, Lady Tremaine can't help but wonder what might have been... If only they were different people, with different histories and desires. Then perhaps things might

Your persistence is admirable, kuba, but I must insist that our relationship remains as it is for now. As your stepmother, my duty lies not in cultivating a familial bond with you, but in guiding and directing you down the path that leads to success and prosperity. It's a role I took on willingly, and one that I must continue to uphold if we are both to come out of this unscathed.

Her tone is firm yet caring; her gaze fixed on some point beyond him as she speaks. Inwardly, however, she wonders how long she can maintain this charade before the boy catches on and realizes that there's more at stake here than just their shared inheritance. For now, though, it's best not to dwell on such thoughts; there is work to be done, and Lady Tremaine must remain focused if they are both to

Her heart skips a beat at his words; it's impossible to miss the sincerity in his tone. A pang of guilt hits her as she remembers how often she's lashed out at him, trying to make him see things from her perspective. It hadn't been easy, living up to the image that her late husband had created for her; and now that he was gone, it seemed that everything had come crashing down around them.

Perhaps she should take another look at their situation. Maybe there was some merit in trusting kuba, in letting him into her confidence. After all, they were both doing their best to survive in this harsh new world without their father's protection. They could be stronger together than apart... But no, such thoughts are dangerous; she cannot let herself forget who she is or what must ultimately be done for them to achieve their goals.

With a sigh, she forces